Join us at the Fitchburg Public Library (610 Main St.) on March 27, 2019, at 6:30 PM as Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator, Scherrie Keating talks about the solution to the pre-diabetes epidemic in the US. According to the CDC, “there are 86 MILLION adults living in the US with prediabetes and 9 out of 10 don’t know it.” Could you be one of them? Attend this life changing class on prediabetes and its potential serious health risks. Take the prediabetes risk screening test and leave class with 2 simple, proven ways to cut your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by more than half. Diabetes prevention is within your reach! Start today, change your tomorrows. Ms. Keating offers risk screening and education on proven lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and spreads her message through CEU and community educational programs and as a speaker at regional, state, and national conferences. This is a free program. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. F or information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website: www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
FITCHBURG, Ma., Feb. 28, 2019 – Workers Credit Union has presented the Wendell P. Clark YMCA, which serves the greater Winchendon area, a donation of $5,000 towards its Promise for Tomorrow Capital Campaign. The YMCA’s capital campaign is raising funds to build a new youth and community building that will house a state-of-the art-gymnastics facility as well as after-school programs and a community room.
Workers Credit Union executives and staff presented the check on Wednesday, Feb. 6 and toured the YMCA’s current facilities. The donation is a part of the credit union’s community relations fund.
“The Winchendon-area YMCA has a rich history and is a vital community asset,” said Doug Petersen, president and CEO of Workers Credit Union. “We are pleased to be able to contribute these funds to help the YMCA further its mission, programs and services.”
The Wendell P. Clark YMCA has undertaken a two-phase construction project to improve, expand and renovate its existing building. Phase two includes the new youth and community building and gym that will offer expanded programs to students from kindergarten through 12th grade as well as provide resources and opportunities for families who rely on the Y. The new building is planned to be nearly 14,000 square feet and includes the gym, program rooms and multi-purpose areas. The new space will allow the YMCA to double its capacity for students in the before and after school programs, vital to working families. It also allows the Y to expand its gymnastics program and offer a safe and supportive environment for this underserved population in which to learn and grow.
“We are grateful for the support of Workers Credit Union and its belief in the mission of the Clark YMCA,” stated Michael Quinn, executive director of the Clark YMCA. “It gives us great pride to provide quality programs and services to the community and to make these programs accessible to all families regardless of their financial means. This is made possible only through the many generous volunteers and contributors such as Workers Credit Union, who make the Clark YMCA everything it is to so many.”
The Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA is a nonprofit community service organization made possible because of charitable donations, member support, and dedicated employees and volunteers. The Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA is devoted to the education, physical health, mental wellbeing, and the moral development of children, families, and their community. It seeks to be a welcoming center serving individuals of any age, race, religion, heritage, economic circumstance, or physical ability. The Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA strives to incorporate the core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility into everything they do.
Workers Credit Union, home of the $3 million GiveBack program, is headquartered in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. With assets of $1.7 billion, the credit union serves over 102,000 members from 15 offices in Athol, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Townsend, Westford and Workers Online at www.workerscu.com.
(North Central, MA) – The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Aidan Horgan to its professional staff in the position of Member Services Specialist. Mr. Horgan is a recent graduate of Fitchburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in business administration.
In his new position, Mr. Horgan will be responsible for helping raise the Chamber’s visibility and educating businesses in the region about the Chamber’s service offerings, promoting the benefits of membership and ensuring that current members enjoy maximum value for their investment.
He is a native of Princeton and graduated from Wachusett Public Schools. He currently resides in Fitchburg, where he is active in the community including serving as a school committee member and volunteering at Fitchburg Access Television. While at Fitchburg State University he was active in Moot Court, wrote for the student newspaper and also interned at Mayor StephenDiNatale’s Office in Fitchburg.
“We are excited to welcome Aidan to our team,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.“He will play an important role in helping to support and engage our members.”
His early goals will be to expand the Chamber’s presence in communities across North Central Massachusetts and find the best ways to help members grow their business with assistance from the Chamber and its affiliates.
Existing members or businesses interested in learning more about the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce can reach Aidan at 978.353.7600 ext. 244 or via email at .
BOSTON – Mount Wachusett Community College Employee and Alumnus Lawrence NFOR was honored recently at the Black Excellence on the Hill ceremony.
“It is an honor to recognize Leominster’s Lawrence NFOR with the Black Excellence on the Hill Award. Lawrence gives back to his community in so many ways, through his work at MWCC, his service as a Leominster Library Trustee, and an Ambassador to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and inspires us all with his positivity and passion for the region,” said State Representative Natalie Higgins of NFOR who she nominated for the recognition.
The ceremony took place at the Massachusetts State House on Monday February 4. The goal of the awards are to celebrate Black History month and the leaders with the state’s communities that make them thrive. As such, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) presented its unique citation to leaders for their work in civic engagement, education, business, and other fields.
“Lawrence is a valued member of not only our college community, but the city of Leominster and the multiple organizations he gives his time to,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “I am happy to see him recognized for all of his hard work and community service. He is an example to all of us.”
Lawrence NFOR was born in Ndu, a small town in Cameroon, West Africa. He moved to Leominster with his family in 2009 after receiving a Visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program.
Having already studied mathematics and computer science at the University of Buea, NFOR earned his Associates Degree from MWCC, Bachelor’s Degree from UMass Amherst, and his MBA in Accounting from Fitchburg State University. NFOR went on to build his career serving in the business office at MWCC and currently serves as the Business Manager for the college’s Access and Transition Office.
NFOR is actively involved in the Leominster community and strives to make the region a better place to work and live. He serves as a Leominster Public Library Trustee. He is an ambassador for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as their Ambassador of the Year for 2017 to 2018. He also serves as the president of the New England Community of Cameroon Immigrants organization and is actively involved in his church, the First Baptist Church in Westminster. He and his wife Elizabeth, a dental hygienist (also an MWCC graduate) have four children.
DEVENS – Ten students received Certified Nurses Assistant certificates from Mount Wachusett Community College at a graduation last week for a free program that pairs the certificate with continued English for Speakers of Other Languages classes.
“This is a group who is focused and committed and who are going to do great things,” said MWCC President Vander Hooven at the graduation. “You are going to be helping people in need and you are going to be working with them in ways that make them feel better… I’m very proud of you and it’s a pleasure for me to be here.”
The students from Clinton, Fitchburg and Leominster were surrounded by family and friends as they received their certificates on Wednesday, February 15 at the college’s Devens campus. This was the first group of students to complete the newly launched program. The student speakers – Jaqueline Conte, Katia Ferrari and Sarai Marcial-Rodriguez – explained the program has helped them move toward their dreams of helping people.
“We have traveled together sharing the same dream,” said Conte. “We’ve had to face many difficulties, but knowing that in the end I will be helping other people will make it all worthwhile.”
Students in the program not only put in the hours for CNA training, but also took ESOL classes two nights a week. Students said the work was tough, but worth it. The next step for students will be to take their state exam and then they will be able to work out in the community.
Everyone was a great student, said MWCC’s Associate Director of Adult Education and Training at Devens Kijah Gordan, and now they will be able to make an impact as they give back through their work.
“You being a part of our college makes it a better place. You working in the community will make it a better place, because you’re all amazing,” said Gordon at the ceremony.
This new program is operated at MWCC’s Devens campus by the MWCC Adult Education and Training Department in partnership with the College Workforce Development Office. It offers English language instruction that has been contextualized to the healthcare field in conjunction with training to prepare students for the Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant Exam.
MWCC received the Integrated English Language and Civics Education grant that funds the program from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2018. All student costs for the program are covered by the grant and matching funds from MWCC, including all the supplies and textbooks, making it free for the students. The clinical portion of the program was conducted at Life Care Center of Leominster.
Grant funds will cover 20 students a year through 2020. While many students were referred from other English language programs, interested students may also inquire directly with MWCC’s Adult Education and Training at Devens by calling 978-630-9363.
Leominster, MA, – March, 2019 – Leominster Credit Union donated 74 new blankets to area homeless shelters and charities.Twenty-four Massachusetts Credit Unions along with the Cooperative Credit Union Association participated in the 2019 Blanket Drive during the month of January. The credit unions donated a total of 1,481 blankets to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and other local agencies across the state. LCU has participated in the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s initiative along with area Credit Unions since 2011.
“The generosity from members, staff and board members was exceptional. A special thanks to Lorrie Brodeur and the residents from Sunrise Senior Living Center for the blankets they made and donated to the drive. Giving back to the community is an LCU core value and we are committed to helping the communities in which we live and work. We are pleased that we are able to assist so many through this blanket drive,” said John O’Brien, LCU President & CEO.
Blankets were distributed to the following area organizations: Montachusett Interfaith Hospital Network, Leominster; Ginny’s Helping Hands, Leominster; Holden Senior Center; Wheat Community Connection/ Hidden Treasures, Clinton; Sterling American Legion, McKay School, Fitchburg; Friendly House, Worcester and Leominster Emergency Management.
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $700 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. 24-hour online banking services are available at www.leominstercu.com and by telephone at 800-649-4646.
Leominster, MA– Leominster Credit Union announces that Barbara A. Mahoney has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
Mahoney has been with Leominster Credit Union for over 15 years and most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources. In her new role, Barbara will continue to manage the Human Resources Department and Facilities Department but will now add the oversight of Information Technology (IT) and Operations to her responsibilities. Mahoney will continue to report to John O’Brien, President and CEO and serve as a member of the senior management team.
“Barbara has a firm understanding of our operations, employees and our mission, vision and values and has worked hard over the years to help build a culture of engaged and motivated employees. I am confident that she will continue to make a positive impact on our institution in her new role,” stated John O’Brien, President & CEO, Leominster Credit Union.
Mahoney is a long-time resident of Leominster and an active member of the community. She is the Chair of the Board for both the Employers Association of the Northeast and MassHire North Central Workforce Board as well as a member of SHRM and NEHRA and serves on the Foundation Committee for St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School.
Founded in 1954, Leominster Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with a full range of deposit, lending and other financial services. Headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, LCU is proud to claim nearly 50,000 members and more than $700 million in assets. LCU has seven branch locations in Leominster, Worcester, Clinton, Holden, Sterling and North Leominster with ATM services at all branch locations. 24-hour online banking services are available at www.leominstercu.com and by telephone at 800-649-4646.
GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College President James Vander Hooven, Gardner Public Schools Superintendent Mark Pellegrino, and Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday, Feb. 11 establishing a partnership between the college and district for the college’s Gateway to College and Pathways Early College Innovation School dual enrollment programs.
The agreement will go into effect for the 2019 to 2020 school year. This will be a planning year between the college and the district to determine the exact structure of the dual enrollment programs. Students graduating in May of 2019 from either program will receive their high school diplomas from Ralph C. Mahar Public Schools, which was the previous district partner for both programs. In coming years, student’s high school degree will be from Gardner Public Schools.
This agreement will reinforce to students in the Gardner school system that college is an option. With time, middle school students will know that college classes through dual enrollment, and beyond, are within their reach because of this agreement.
“I view this as being aspirational… it’s going to keep a focus on having college be an opportunity,” said President Vander Hooven. “Over time, I believe you really are going to see significantly higher levels of students going on to college, whether it be at Mount Wachusett Community College or anywhere else in the state. This is a great opportunity for us to work with the schools here.”
The partnership marks a deepening of an already strong relationship between the college and school district, said Pellegrino at the signing Monday, explaining that about 50 percent of Gardner’s high school graduates attend MWCC. The college is a great resource for the district, as well as the students, he said, and this agreement only solidifies that further.
“To offer these programs to students while they are still in high school is a great way for kids to get a head start and it’s also a cost-saving measure for families who can save thousands on college tuition by participating in this program,” said Pellegrino who explained students will benefit from robust dual enrollment options. “It is what the state is looking for. It is what our students are looking for and what our parents are looking for. I think it’s the right thing to do… it’s a great program that is preparing students for their future.”
Both of the programs provide significant college experience as students earn their high school degree. Gardner Mayor Mark Hawke, said he was pleased to see connections between his high school and college alma mater expand.
“This is what we do in the city of Gardner every day, make sure we are able to meet our educational goals, whether it be at the elementary school and high school or at continuing education at the community college level,” said Hawke. “This is going to be a great thing for the City of Gardner and the Gardner Public School System.”
The planning process for the Gateway and Pathways dual enrollment programs will take place in the coming year.
Irish Concert with Kate Chadbourne March 10, 2019, 1:30-3:30 PM, Auditorium
Please join us at the Fitchburg Public Library (610 Main St.) on SUNDAY afternoon, March 10, 2019 from 1:30-3:30 PM in the auditorium for free concert for all ages in the Irish Tradition. The concert will be performed by Kate Chadbourne an award winning songwriter, poet and performer. She brings to her audiences the sounds of the harp, tin whistle, Irish flute, and melodeon, a deep love and knowledge of traditional Irish stories, and a warm and welcoming presence. This is a free program. Free parking is available in the lot at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. For information about this or other Library programs call 978-829-1780 or visit our website:www.FitchburgPublicLibrary.org.
Orangetheory Fitness is seeking sponsorships for Run for Opportunity event to benefit our friends at the Arc of Opportunity. Please haz clic aquí to see the form and to find out more information!
